Shooting Kabul

Reach for this book if your child is struggling with the weight of a secret, the heavy burden of 'what if' guilt, or the disorientation of moving to a new place where they feel like an outsider. It is a powerful tool for families navigating major life transitions or for children who need to understand the complex emotional landscape of refugee and immigrant peers. The story follows Fadi, a young boy who accidentally lets go of his sister's hand during a frantic escape from Afghanistan, leaving her behind. Now living in San Francisco, Fadi navigates middle school and post-9/11 tensions while desperately trying to win a photography contest he believes will help him find her. It is a deeply moving exploration of resilience and family bonds suitable for ages 10 to 12. Parents will appreciate how it humanizes global headlines through the lens of a child's hope and his creative pursuit of photography.